In another sign that Howard County MD is turning more conservative, former Republican Maryland state senator Allan Kittleman narrowly defeated democrat Courtney Watson becoming Howard County’s next executive.

The race was close with Kittleman’s 51% to Watson’s 49% with 100% of precincts reporting.

Allan Kittleman’s win shows a change in Howard County which historically has voted for liberal leaning candidates now voting more along the lines of Frederick and Carroll.

It would be hard for Kittleman to push through any legislation. He will have to work with the overwhelming Democratic Howard County Council, with Greg Fox representing District 5, the only other Republican on the Council, representing the large suburban and rural western district of the county that typically leans conservative.

Kittleman reportedly is against some of former executive Ken Ulman’s actions which included banning the sale of sugary soft drinks at events on county property. Kittleman also opposed the controversial rain tax which imposes a stormwater fee on residents and businesses.